Matsalu’s bird paradise is more than just a paradise for birdwatchers. Matsalu is a location beside a shallow sea bay where you can stop for a while to watch and listen. Matsalu reveals its secret to everyone who comes to discover the wide variety of birds here.
Matsalu’s bird year begins with the early spring concert of Northern swans in early April. The clucking that can be heard for kilometres serves as a signal to thousands of other birds that spring has arrived. Every day, more new birds appear on the waters here, on the open beach meadows and on the flooded-meadows. Matsalu’s bird spring peaks in the first weeks of May, when tens of thousands of barnacle geese make stops on their journey. White-tailed eagles occasionally test their awareness, something that no Matsalu nature tour would be complete without witnessing.
Tens of thousands of migratory birds leave this area, but the bird life here does not stop. Many bird species nest in Matsalu’s beach meadows, reed beds, bogs and small sea islands; these species are best observed in the summer.
Migratory birds are expected in Matsalu at the end of summer. In Matsalu, the bird autumn occurs from August to November. Its brightest moment is the nocturnal flight of thousands of common cranes on September evenings. Listening to the melancholy calls of migratory crane flocks is an unforgettable experience.
If you’ve been to Matsalu before, it’s always worth coming back. Every bird year in Matsalu is different and every day spent in nature is unique. However, if you have not yet discovered Matsalu’s bird species, you should go and learn about their secrets.
Matsalu National Nature Reserve was created in 1957 for the protection of breeding, moulting and migratory birds and was renamed Matsalu National Park in 2004.
Matsalu’s most valuable asset, after migratory birds, is its well-preserved semi-natural communities, which include shallow beach meadows, open flood-meadows, alvars and woodland meadows. Estonia’s largest reed fields are also in Matsalu. The delight of discovery in the approximately 500 km2 protected area is enough to last for a long day or maybe a weekend.
Read more about Matsalu National Park here.
PUISE VAATEPLATVORM
Puise viewing platform is a low viewing platform by the bus stop.
Puise is primarily known for its bird migration in the spring and autumn. Therefore, you should come here early in the morning, shortly after sunrise.
In the spring, you can observe Arctic waterfowl migrate through Puise to go to Northwestern Russia to nest. In the autumn, numerous mainland birds gather near the summit of the Puise Peninsula to migrate. In Puise, 18,000 migrating Eurasian jays, 51,000 coal tits and 132 lesser spotted woodpeckers were counted in one day.
KIIDEVA VAATEPLATVORM
The Kiideva viewing platform was created at the initiative of the local community and is positioned in the little harbour. Kiideva Beach is one of the main stopovers for Northern swans in early spring by Matsalu Bay. Bird lovers should visit the Kiideva observation from early spring to mid-summer.
A few Western marsh harrier often glide over the overgrown coast. The best area to listen to reed bird songs is on Matsalu’s north coast. From late spring to mid-summer, you can often hear great reed warblers singing here, while flocks of eye-catching bearded reedlings bustle about in the shade of the reeds.
RANNAJÕE VAATETORN
Rannajõe is located right next to the Haapsalu-Lihula road. The viewing platform offers a good view of the open flood-meadows of Matsalu (the meadow area is flooded for a very short time, mostly in early spring). In the spring and autumn, it is worth going there early in the morning or in the evening before sunset to watch a large number of barnacle geese and geese flying overhead. In autumn, thousands of common cranes gather on the Rannajõe River to spend the night.
During the day, the Rannajõe observation tower is one of the best observation points in Matsalu for watching birds of prey. You can see hen harriers, Montagu’s harriers, common buzzards, lesser spotted eagles and common kestrels while they hunt for food.
HAESKA VAATETORN
The Haeska observation tower is one of Matsalu’s most popular bird-watching spots, with up to 128 bird species sighted 24 hours a day. For a while, it was even a record in Europe. It is worthwhile to visit Haeska to see birds as early as the end of March; the wonderful bird-watching season lasts until the beginning of November.
The Haeska observation tower provides a good view of both Matsalu Bay and the beach meadow nearby. Every spring and autumn, the shallow bay and open beach meadow with low grass attract hundreds of waterfowl and waders. In March and April, Haeska provides an excellent observation point for Northern swans. In May, huge flocks of barnacle geese and ruffs in beautiful nuptial plumage can be seen at the lookout tower. You are very likely to see a white-tailed eagle in Haeska. In autumn, many ducks and geese stop at Haeska.
KEEMU VAATETORN
The Keemu observation tower is the best birdwatching spot on the southern shore of Matsalu Bay. The observation tower is located next to the Keemu boat harbour. The eight-metre-high observation tower has a roof and walls, making it easy to spot birds even in strong wind or heavy rain.
The most exciting time to visit the Keemu observation tower is from the end of March to the end of October. Numerous waterfowl species can be spotted here as well as waders nesting in the beach meadows.
KLOOSTRI VAATETORN
The Kloostri observation tower, which stands 16 metres tall and has two viewing platforms, is located on the Kasari River banks. From here, you may take in the breathtaking view of Matsalu’s open flood-meadow. For bird enthusiasts, the Kloostri observation tower is especially exciting during the spring floods. During spring floods, thousands of geese and ducks gather on the flood-meadow. The Kloostri observation tower is also very good for observing birds of prey hunting.
SUITSU VAATETORN
The highest observation tower in Matsalu is located on the banks of the Tuudi River – the 21-metre-high Suitsu Tower. From here, you can see the old fishermen’s houses, the meadow, the wide reed beds and the Matsalu forest. For birdwatchers, the best time to visit Suitsu Tower is early spring when thousands of migrating geese and ducks gather on the flood-meadow.
There is a wet deciduous forest next to Suitsu Tower, which is a great place to learn about the more common songbirds during spring mornings.
PENIJÕE VAATETORN
The Penijõe hiking trail starts near the visitor centre of Matsalu National Park. The hiking trail’s main advantage is the ability to choose between routes of varying lengths. The length of the trail can be 3–7 km; you can choose.
For bird enthusiasts, the Penijõe hiking trail is the most exciting to visit in April and May. Here you can observe various beach meadows, reed beds and bird species associated with Matsalu Bay. Since many birds are quite secretive, it is worthwhile for the hiker to stop and listen from time to time. On the Penijõe hiking trail in spring, you can hear the call of a hidden reed bird and the winnowing sound of a common snipe.
PÕGARI-SASSI LINNUVAATLUS
On the coast of Põgari-Sassi, you can see a well-maintained beach meadow. Since the beach meadow runs right next to the road, can see many bird species up close. The coast here is a particularly favourable area for various waders. From early spring to mid-summer, you can also spot a strange-looking pied avocet here.
Thousands of barnacle geese go to Põgari-Sassi beach meadow in spring and autumn to feed. In autumn in September, Põgari-Sassi is one of the best places to observe the nocturnal flight of cranes.
The best observation point is on the large square next to the old cattle barn. It is forbidden to go to the beach meadow.